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Charles I Nightcap
Charles I was King of England from 1625 to1649. He believed that the King’s powers came directly from God and many people in England feared that he wanted to maintain a severe brand of absolute power. The last years of Charles' reign were marked by the English Civil War, in which he was opposed by Parliament who challenged his attempts to augment his own power and by Puritans, who were hostile to his religious policies. The war ended in defeat for Charles, who was subsequently tried, convicted and executed for high treason.
The evidence that King Charles went to bed and slept the night before his execution comes from the memoirs of his attendant Thomas Herbert.
He does not actually say he put his nightcap on, but he does say he slept for about four hours, between going to bed after midnight and waking Herbert up very early. He writes in the third person: "The King commanded Mr Herbert to lie by his bedside upon a pallet, where he took small rest, that being the last night his gracious sovereign and master enjoyed; but nevertheless the King for four hours, or thereabouts, slept soundly, and awaking about two hours before day, he opened his curtain to call Mr Herbert..."
Due to some tell-tale embroidery types and the style of the decoration of the nightcap, it has been attributed to English or Flemish artisans of the first quarter of the 17th century. The nightcap measures 21.5 inches circumference, which is the exact same measurements as the King’s royal head.
Presenter Mohini Sule says: "The historical and emotional resonances of this simple nightcap are huge."
Where can it be found? Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Newport.
Rosemary Cooper, curator, says: "What is remarkable is that it is reported that Charles actually slept soundly for four hours the night before his execution."
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